MDCT radiation dose: Recent advances

Abstract

The emergence of multi-detector-row computed tomography (MDCT) scanners in radiology practice has increased the number of CT studies being performed for different clinical applications. This has raised concerns about the risk of radiationinduced cancer following low-dose exposure associated with CT scanning. In order to optimize the radiation dose necessitated by MDCT scanning, it is important to understand the basic dose quantities and scanning parameters that can be modified to optimize radiation exposure. These aspects, together with the strategies for CT dose reduction, are discussed in this chapter. In addition, radiation dose considerations for cardiac CT are examined. © 2008 Springer-Verlag Milan.